How Do I Become Great?

Sirach 2:1-11
Mark 9:30-37

Our faith teaches us that true greatness is found in not being served but is found in the service of others, this entails humility. In other words, true greatness lies in the quality of the sacrifices we make to bring about improvement in people’s lives. If someone who is sad can smile because of you, or if you are the reason why someone has refused to give up on life, then you are truly great. The effect of greatness is the positive impact we can make in peoples’ lives which only comes from service following the example of Jesus Christ who is the greatest. For even though He was God, He came not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many. That is why He has called us too to service, showing us that it is only through service that we can become great

In today’s gospel passage, greatness is what our Lord was explaining to his disciples. As at that time, in the gospel, Jesus was telling them that his mission is to go to Jerusalem and die for the sake of humanity. On the contrary, they assumed that Christ was going to establish an earthly political kingdom and they started arguing among themselves over positions, power, and earthly greatness. However, Jesus points to them that greatness consist in humility and service. In buttressing this point further, He took a child to demonstrate what true greatness is all about. ‘The least among you all is the greatest’-Pope Benedict XVI of blessed memory also commented on true greatness, he says that,”The world promises you comfort, but you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness

In today’s first reading from the book of Sirach, we are told that wisdom is tested by fire. It means, all those who desire wisdom and who want to drink from her spring must go through a temporal discomfort. They will have to suffer to get the pearl. They will have to go through the eye of the needle. Life is journey and on its path, we have choices to make. These choices decide the next step take and the final destination. So as long as we live, we must make choices; even when we do not choose it is a position and a choice we have taken not to act at one point or the other.

Today’s reading from the book of Sirach also provides us with a daily Lenten examination of conscience to be used on our spiritual journey.  Am I a just person? How sincere and steadfast am I?  To what degree do I trust in God?  How patient am I in times of trial and tribulation? How well do I accept whatever befalls me and trust God to get me through? The response to these questions will provide us ample opportunity to grow in our faith throughout this Lenten period.  Take a few moments today to think about where you might need to grow spiritually this Lent 2023. Create a Plan to improve your spiritual development during this year’s Lenten journey.

As I begin Lent, Lord, assist me to focus and centering my life on you more fully. Amen.

Fr Joseph Osho